Manila was branded as the text capital of the world and i believe it is an undisputed title. Seasons such as these (christmas & new year), cellular networks become busy all over the country.

Its warming to receive SMS from friends Manila and before my inbox gets full until later, i've decided to post some friends' text messsages for me for the occasion:

From Irene, my trusted choir leader: "hapi new year. col k nman bhay 2nyt dun gnapin scialzing choir mga 9pm. we mis u a lot." (12:03pm, 30.12.2003)

From Ilyo, my good friend organist:
().'''.)
'( o, )
(,,)):(),)
Tambay na ko dito sa inbox mo, antay ko Jan 01, para ako una greet sayo ng Happy New Year at di U Me ma4get! (11:02am, 31.12.2003) [this forwarded message was also sent by my college friend, Kristie)

From ambo: "Happy new year, ambo po ito."

From my good friend & HS classmate, Mike: "May the Lord bring u a 2004 filled with love, peace, joy, prosperity & a bountiful harvest. Happy New Year" (11:36am, 31.12.2003)

From Roan, my colleague in SUN Cellular: "Wishing u nt just smiles bt laughter,
nt just joy
by happiness,
nt just riches
bt wealth,
nt just peace
but serenity,
health & love.
HpiNewYear!" (4:37pm, 31.12.2003)

From Frances Ivy: "All things bright & beautiful,
All creatures great & small,
All things wise & wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Wishing you and your family
everything beautiful this new year and always!" (6:13pm, 31.12.2003)

From Jules, one of my core group in SUN Cellular: "a RELAXED mind
a PEACEFUL soul
a JOYFUL spirit
a HEALTHY body &
a heart full of LOVE...
all of these are my prayers & wishes 4 u n ur family,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!" (7:24pm, 31.12.2003)

From aileen, barkada ko sa Digitel: "NEW YEAR is a special time for me to thank people who have touched my life. Peopla who have given me hope, faith, and love. People I cherish. HAPPY NEW YEAR!" (8:55pm, 31.12.2003)

From Ann, another one of my core group in SUN Cellular:
05
04
03
02
01
grit
na
kta
kc
network
bc na mamaya

. ;*;";"/,:"*;";*"
,:'';*happy;":,*"/
;*new year!*;
.";,/"*;"*;/ (9:14pm, 31.12.2003)

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yesterday i went to Toronto to give my papers to my consultant and i'll be waiting for his call and advise on what to do next. or maybe i'll call him instead.

i'm scheduled to watch the Return of the King today, and tonight we will be spending the new year with church mates after the locale prayer at the chapel at 10pm.

tata!

03.03.03. stories year-ender (2047 hrs, EST)

looking back one year ago, as of this writing, its 9:47am in Manila, 31st of December. The day begins with preparation for the new year which is to be celebrated in our in-laws in Taytay, Rizal. Prior to the last day of the year is my auntie joy’s birthday and we take that opportunity as our family gathering with relatives from the mother side. It has been a tradition, and this is the 1st time that I am not into it.

The 31st of December since we moved to Rizal was always celebrated at kuya butch’s place in Taytay. We hold programs for the kids (renjo, ria with their cousins) and I do some barbecue-ing before we light up some kwitis that will signal the start of the new year. Last year was less happy though since it was our first new year without my sister’s family. It was also their first new year here in Canada.

Events, activities and other matter

January – life was joyful for me as my colleagues and I await our product’s launch date. it was at this month when we report to work just to attend training and seminars, learning more things regarding mobile phones. Of course, my core group had a lot of good time and we were together almost everyday. I was among the chosen few to be one of the “extras” for our product’s advertisement/commercial which was shot at Makati. Php500 worth of Robinsons gift check as the compensation ain’t bad. I spent it on groceries for our home.

February – getting busier in work as the bosses started making a roll call for our revalida but still, our core group enjoyed each other’s company. Also at this month, we had (I can say) the most memorable project at work, the phase one of Project Sagittarius. We did the actual business center flow and procedures, and jotted down whatever problems that we may be encountering before the product’s commercial launch. A Project Sagittarius group was formed, and in my core group, three of us were included in it. It was the time when we had very late duties. Latest was past 12 midnight leaving the SM North Edsa security guard insane, waiting for us to step out of the establishment.
This month, PEx crashed.

March – Birth of this blog on the 3rd day of this month year 2003, hence its title.
Busiest month at work, I am one of the few from the PS group who spearheaded the phases two and three of the same project. Its been a great honor to be trusted by the bosses, and an achievement for assisting my colleagues on things to be done. I served as a point person for queries, and most of the office days, one of my bosses and I would stay very late at the Galleria Corporate Center head office to make the project report. Then we did early sign-ups for the product’s initial promotion. It aimed to have a good number of early subscribers so almost half of the month we started staying at our respective area assignments. Goodbye, head office, goodbye, core group. This month was also our launch date and before that day was our one and a half day convention at the Manila Peninsula--- one of the memorable things that happened in my job. It was a reunion of colleagues, work batch mates and of course, my core group.

April – Pex was up, and down again. Hell time at work. I am a customer care specialist turned into a marketing agent meeting specific sales quota. Sheesh….
SARS reached Manila….

May – Pex Congo Grille 3rd anniversary EB happened. andanother event... ISLAND COVE!!!!!!!!! This month also marked the PBA Classic Toyota Tamaraws vs Crispa Redmanizers rivalry at the big dome. Syempre, nanalo ang Toyota!

June – Filed my resignation letter at work as my comeback to Canada becomes clear. PEx was finally up and running… oh. It actually was walking. Server problems…
This month marked my being a blog addict. I started learning some html basics through the help of good friend, jary. Frances ivy purchased her Nokia 3650. our first ever barkada camera phone! (I finally) confirmed that Christianne and Edward were married. Met Kaboom! in person. He’s one of the bosses of PEx. PExChatCity email group was organized (but the group itself was never realized). A clown in PEx started to imitate my username. He was banned a lot of times but managed to make a lot of same-sounding alternicks as mine. Talk about the best form of flattery…

July – this month was spent fast as I prepare for my departure to Toronto. Turning-over of duties at work to Binky, meeting up with current and former office friends, going out with cyberkada, buying stuffs, spending for farewell gatherings… and oh. One of the most shocking news I heard, my ex was pregnant! She didn’t confirm the thing to me after two months when I have talked to her, though. July was also the month I met KD--- ang makulit at mabait na PEx mod. Oakwood Condo mutiny by the Magdalo group, sa pangunguna ng may prinsipyong si LTSG Trillanes.
This month, I ended my (illegal) relationship with G.

August – back to Toronto, and getting the “feel” of the other side of the globe. Black out haunted parts of Ontario and Eastern America. They thought it’s another terrorist plot. They don’t know that it’s just a power outage that we normally experience in the third world county. Dad left for Manila.

September – heard the news that my mom’s brother died. He’s been sick and has been taking a lot of medication when we were still in Manila and I got the chance to glance at his state when he was sick. He was a soldier when we were still kids and I remember him those years when he would come home to our house drunk, my cousins and I would rush to our own bedrooms. Then one by one, that uncle of ours will call us and ask nonsense things to us while letting us carry his (heavy) gun. may he rest in peace. By this month, I was getting so much hooked with the internet. Talk about being bored at home. Anyway, I have started seeing a consultant for my status in Canada. First thing we did was to look for an “employer”. Some helping hands from the church volunteered to assist, thanks to them. They sure are God-given to us! Xmas songs began playing in Manila FM radio stations… Also this month, my friend Jejie told me he was confined at the Ospital ng Maynila, and that he was dying. Its freaky because I never heard from him after a couple or more text messages with him. He hasn’t replied and I don’t how he is right now. I have registered in Friendster.

October – went bowling with my church buddies. My last bowling before this was during our Island Cove escapade in May. Memories… days sure fly fast. Found a waffle and crepe house in Toronto courtesy of Ron & Cathy. Syempre na-miss ko yung Café Breton! APPLE PICKING!
PExer Sacrosanct died… rest in peace. California fire left more or less 800 families homeless. Got my volunteer job at Sawmill Valley public school! First NBA Live experience! Raptors won over the Wizards.

November – got five dollars and a couple of breakfast coupons from McDonalds by answering their promo survey, and I thought strolling in the mall has no material compensation. Employment application for my status had been rejected. Got my part time job with ka dan. This is the month I realized that I’ve been PExing tooooooo much. I drove my brother’s van up to south common mall. Buti na lang walang pulis, hehehe.. This month is the official start of my newsboy job, courtesy of my good buddies Noriel and Charlie. I have let my heart express its feelings, with good results (I guess, huhuhu) I braved the rain going to Islington area and almost got fined $500CAD for entering the subway station from its exit points. Mom left for Manila as their petition papers were passed to the department of immigration. Had my flu shot, 10 dollars worth for a tourist like meeh! This month, I had the first “taste” of snow! Its fun WATCHING them falling, aside from that, everything else about it is unlikeable. Except of course if I’m into snow boarding or ice skating but sad to say, neither of the two recreations I mentioned I don’t know how to do. I started wearing coat and tie, kahit labag sa kalooban ko, kailangan eh. Kundi mamamatay ako sa ginaw. Kaya triple lagi ang suot-suot ko pag lalabas ng bahay. Minsan nga, apat na patong pa eh! I got my own checking account this month. FPJ confirmed his candidacy for Manila’s 2004 presidential race, aaarrrrgghhhh!!!!

December – Mississauga News delivery has turned out to be a nightmare for me and my brother as flyer inserts pile up while the holiday season approaches. Finally, we gave it up after three weeks. Opened my Nokia 6610 for other service (SIM) provider, courtesy of n3k0 from PEx. Had experienced how people here observe “boxing day”. World news: Saddam Hussein has been captured.
The rest of this month was mostly spent in preparation for the annual thanksgiving services and my papers for the processing of my status come January 2004. good luck to me!

------------

I’ll have another year-ender entry next time focusing more on People--- they who made a difference in my life for this year…

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
[finished 12:12AM, December 31, 2003 EST]

The Mississauga Congregation Year-end Gathering was a success, with the efforts of all the brethren spearheaded by the Buklod officers, and of course with the help of the Almighty God! Praises be unto his name! I can't post details of what happened coz my mind now is preoccupied with so many things. anyway, the brethren had a lot of fun.

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a funny and sucky thing happened to me this afternoon. from south common mall around 320pm, i rushed and brave the rainfall to ride the number 13 bus, hoping to arrive at Erin Mills Town Centre. it was my first time to ride the bus going to that direction so i just sat back and tried to relax, hoping i could reach my destination before 4pm. then, almost 30 minutes had pass. next thing i knew, i was at Clarkson. i rode the right bus number, but got the wrong direction. ain't it funny, and sucky too? sheesh...

i'm off to toronto tomorrow. good night po.

copied this questionnaire from Andrea's blog. as you can see, i'm winding up for the year and i'm obviously bored, too. :p

here goes:

1. What did you do in 2003 that you'd never done before?
--> to have a love relationship with a non-member.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
--> i didn't make any for 2003!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
--> no

4. Did anyone close to you die?
--> my mom's brother

5. What countries did you visit?
--> US & Japan (for transit transfer), and of course, Canada

6. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
--> three: my Canadian status, a NEW job, and my (life-long) significant other

7. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
--> May 10. it was our Island Cove escapade!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
--> to reach Canada alive! LOL

9. What was your biggest failure?
--> leaving Manila..

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
--> nope.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
--> my Nokia 6610. It's my dream phone eversince it was released in the market.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
--> definitely not mine (as per Andrea's response)

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
--> none in particular. i live a happy and contented life. see? --->

14. Where did most of your money go?
--> my despedida in July/August.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
--> going out with people i like. want me to post names?

16. What songs will always remind you of 2003?
--> Can't Lose You by F4.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
--> sadder because at this time last year, i am in Manila.

ii. thinner or fatter?
--> didn't keep track so i dunno.

iii. richer or poorer?
--> poorer (materially)

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
--> being young. LOL

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
--> being old. double LOL

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
--> huh? next year? too early to tell.

22. Did you fall in love in 2003?
--> not really. (sorry, my ex) ok, ok... i'm mean! *sheesh*

23. How many one night stands?
--> i lost count too! LOL

24. What were your favourite TV programmes?
--> Frontpage. Fear Factor, Reality Shows.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
--> na-ah

26. What was the best book you read?
--> The Bible. still.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
--> tristancafe.com

28. What did you want and get?
--> three cellular phones all at the same time!

29. What did you want and not get?
--> its not what--- it's who. at marami sila! want names again?

30. What was your favourite film of this year?
--> Love Actually

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
--> went to Island Cove with some close friends. did i miss a part of the question? ok, moving on...

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
--> i dunno. i think everything turned out ok and i couldn't just ask for more.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2003?
--> fashion?? aaaaaaarrrrrgggghhhhhhh.......

34. What kept you sane?
--> friends, family & relatives, and more friends..

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
--> hmm..

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
--> stirred what? well, it really *irked* me having known that FPJ was running for the 2004 presidential race!

37. Who did you miss?
--> friends and relatives in Manila

38. Who was the best new person you met?
--> best? eh di isa lang yun? marami eh, sina Noriel, Charlie, Mississauga Choir A, B & C, lahat ng nasa lokal, si kwan, si kwan, at si kwan... hehe.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.
--> always stand behind the walls when you are waiting for a train in downtown Toronto's subway. you'll never know who will push you in the railway when a train is coming. hah... talk about insanity!

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
--> "what's there beyond sleep, eat, work in this cruel life? ain't there nothing else 'round here but human strife? they say its difficult, yes, stereo typical..."

i have bought two DVDs tonight at HMV for the price of $15 each. good deal since one movie i got was one of my favorite love-comedy, and the other is a great action film. i had my two reference letters signed this afternoon. with ka dan and ka larry. i just felt sorry for my two buddies for waiting for me so long... we missed the trip to downtown toronto to look for some "expensive" stuffs... sorry po. anyway, we just went to square one to kill the time and stroll around. after that, i proceeded to our group committee-prayer. it was also shereen's pre-bday celeb.. we had some picture taking and of course, pabalot before we went home.
the kids watched Finding Nemo in DVD when we got home, while i made a phone call to an important person. well, i missed that person that's why i called.

and i call it a day!

We have a new TV set! woohoo! my brother bought it yesterday in Future Shop and we just set it up this morning. its really nice to have a screen again at home, and to top everything, we also have a new DVD player. now i can watch movies at home, and need not bother to spend more or less 10 dollars just to see a movie in the widescreen. but of course, it depends on what's playing. for example, i won't let the Prisoner of Azkaban pass the widescreen without me seeing it. home body again! :)

After setting up the TV, we did some house cleaning and re-arranging (a bit) our interior in the living "room". then, i washed our bathroom curtain and had it hanging outside, while the weather dictates a high of 8 degrees celcius, and a sunny one at that.

------------


You've guessed it. my friends and i watched Cheaper by the Dozen yesterday, starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt in a very family-oriented comedy film.

After the movie, we hopped into the next movie house (hehe..) to see Cold Mountain which stars Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, and Renee Zellweger. Unfortunately, we were unable to finish the "free" movie since its already midnight and our good friend judy still needs to drive home. Of course she gave us a lift. :)

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the guy was searching for the girl within the crowded center... nowhere, nowhere. he entered the establishment with full of excitement, hoping to surprise her with his presence, but in vain. he could find her nowhere. so he left the place a bit sadden while still thinking how she's doing that very time. loads of work on that day. early morning she's off from home and late at night from work she came... tired out. exhausted. bone-weary. and now the guy just wishes he could be on her side. to ease her fatigue, even for just a small amount of time...

it's BOXING DAY. when i first heard of the term (and this holiday), i have always wondered "what the hell is boxing day?" first came to my mind was the sport, boxing, and until i found its definition (refer to urban legend link provided) and stories from friends here, its one of the much-awaited holiday of the year of shopper-crazy individuals since ALL ITEMS are ON SALE! Then i remembered watching RealTV where they sometimes show what's going on during a boxing day: people line-up outside the stores as early as dawn, and when they open at an early hour, they rush inside notwithstanding the crowd--- to each his own! i dunno how exaggerated the video clips are but as for today, my brother was the only one who left early for shopping. he'll be looking for a good TV deal for the kids. darn we miss television. oh well. life here...

i'm scheduled to guard the chapel this morning by 10. then my buddies are gonna pick me up and we're gonna stroll along the stores and look at the leftovers of the early shoppers. haha. oh well. i must bring some looneys too coz i might come accross some good buy. hehe..

Yesterday, we had lunch over our cousin's new house in Oakville. Spending Christmas with relatives who practice it has become a tradition in our family. Its actually a familly matter, while not paying attention much on the "day". anyway, being together once in a year isn't bad at all and usually, its this season that we gather together. we used to go to our province in Pampanga but of course, it would be impractical for me (and my sister's family) to join our mom and dad there at this time. hehe... talk about air fare. kung pwede nga lang, bakit hindi? i would LOVE to go home!

later last night after our performance, we went to Edgar's place for his post-bday celebration. we met his family and dined (oh, food again!) anyway, it was quite a full day yesterday.

next few days (and weeks), i'm expecting to have a busier sked since i'll start working on my status here. God willing...

RANTS

1. Keira Knightley is not among the 20 Hottest Girls. And Mandy Moore is even at the 13th spot only!
2. Holidays here is boring compared to Manila (sorry friends from here, but its the honest truth)
3. i miss my friends in Manila!
4. we weren't able to call overseas & talk to our family & relatives in Minalin, Pampanga. all lines were busy.
5. i don't have money!

RAVES

1. My froggy buddy surprised me with her present for me: a bonnet and a scarf! thanks, buddy. i appreciate it very much (with the card, of course) i'm touched.
2. wala lang!
3. happy birthday, Vanessa! thanks for the dinner.
4. Church day tomorrow!
5. i got my photos from thanksgiving day and sent some to my friends thru email.

daRn! i forgot to put out our garbage this morning and so we're stuck with a big pile until next week. sheesh.....

------------

i just finished composing a bio-resume which i have to submit to my consultant before this month ends. it really makes me nervous thinking of what will the outcome of the things will be. this should be the peak days for me, until next month. i'll be very busy, nervous, but prayerful. that settles everything.

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Yesterday was quite a light day, a relaxing one and a satisfying day for me. I have watched Love Actually for the second time at Cineplex Odeon in Square One. I was with a friend for almost the whole day and we had a really nice day together. too bad, time is short for us to watch The Return of the King, which runs for approximately 3.5 hours. oh well, at least we get to have a lot of time to chat while dining in for a light snack instead. and even lunch time was great. i mean, everything until we took the bus home, even unexpected persons suddenly pop out from nowhere. hehe..

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Happy Birthday to my mom (december 22). I emailed her last Sunday here (Monday in Manila) to send her my greetings and my niece's bday card present, which i scanned and sent. Then we called home to greet her but unfortunately, they were in Baguio when we called so we hadn't have the chance to greet her personally. oh well. she already sent a thank you email regarding the day.

The one that got away
By: Mark J. Macapagal


In your life, you'll make note of a lot of people. Ones with whom
you shared something special, ones who will always mean something. There's the one you first kissed, the one you first loved, the one you lost your virginity to, the one you put on a pedestal, the one you're with...and the one that got away.

Who is the one that got away? I guess it's that person with who
everything was great, everything was perfect, but the timing was just wrong. There was no fault in the person, there was no flaw in the chemistry, but the cards just didn't fall the right way, I suppose.

I believe in the fact that ending up with someone, finding a
longtime partner that is, does not lie merely in the other person. I can actually argue that an equal part, or maybe even the greater part, has to do with the matter of timing. It has to do with you being ready to settle down and commit to someone in a way that goes beyond the little niceties of giddy romance.

How often have you gone through it without even realizing it?
When you're not ready to commit in that mature manner, it doesn't matter who you're with, it just doesn't work. Small problems become big; inconsequentials become dealbreakers simply because you're not ready and it shows. It's not that you and the person you're with are no good; it's just that it's not yet right, and little things become the flashpoint of that fact. Then one day you're ready. You really are. And when this happens you'll be ready to settle down with someone. He or she may not be the most perfect, they might not be the brightest star of romance to ever have burned in your life, but it'll work because you're ready. It'll work because it's the right time and you'll make it work. And it'll make sense, it really will.

So that day comes when you're finally making sense of things, and you find yourself to be a different person. Things are different, your approach is different, you finally understand who you are and what you want, and you've become ready because the time has truly arrived. And mind you, there's no telling when this day will come. Hopefully you're single but you could be in a long-term relationship, you could be married with three kids, it doesn't matter. All you know is that you've changed, and for some reason, the one that got away, is the first person you think about.

You'll think about them because you'll wonder, "What if they were here today?" You'll wonder, "What if we were together now, with me as I am and not as I was?" That's what the one that got away is. The biggest "What if?" you'll have in your life.

If you're married, you'll just have to accept the fact that the
one that got away, got away. Believe me, no matter how fairy tale you think your marriage is, this can happen to the best of us. But hopefully you're mature enough to realize that you're already with the one you're with and this is just another test of your commitment, one which will just strengthen your marriage when you get past it. Sure, you'll think about him/her every so often, but it's alright. It's never nice to live with a "might have been," but it happens.

Maybe the one that got away is the one who's already married. In
which case it's the same thing. You just have to accept and know that your memories of that person will probably bring a nice little smile to your lips in the future when you're old and gray and reminiscing.

But if neither of that is the case, then it's different. What do
you do if it's not yet too late? Simple...find him, find her. Because the very existence of a "one that got away" means that you'll always wonder, what if you got that one?

Ask him out to coffee, ask her out to a movie, it doesn't matter
if you've dropped in from out of nowhere. You'd be surprised, you just might be "the one that got away" as well for the person who is your "the one that got away."

You might drop in from out of nowhere and it won't make a
difference. If the timing is finally right, it'll all just fall into place
somehow and you know, I'm thinking, it would be a great feeling, in the end, to be able to say to someone, "Hey you, you're the one that almost got away."

I can't honestly say that i was looking for u,
And i doubt if u were looking for me,

.......But it happened.......
And here we are..... two people,
Just happy being together,
Not knowing where to go,
But very sure, that wherever it is,
We'll be going there..... together.

-from my email inbox

Saturday & Sunday Thanksgiving were graced by the Lord Almighty God. PRAISES BE UNTO HIS NAME!

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Yesterday, i have bought myself a disposable Kodak camera, to be used after my performances in the thanksgiving. it was on sale in Shopper's Drug Mart at $6.99 with 27 shots. good deal, and i'm looking forward for the photos taken. actually, they're my first personal photos in Mississauga locale, wearing my toga (yellow green design) and shots from outside the chapel, with some choir friends.

Today, after the 12nn service, my buddies Noriel & Charlie accompanied me to deliver (our last) Mississauga Newspaper routes. then we had some souvenir photos of that memory we'll never forget in our life--- being paper delivery boys. pays good, but not enough. good experience, good exercise. too bad, we all have to give it up. oh well...

then afterwards, we went malling to Square One after dining at Mama Jane's, a Filipino food store where hospitality reigns... i hope they could improve their cooking. too much salt on their viands, you need gallons of water to wash it out. hehe...
Charlie purchased a Motorola V60 Tri-band unit powered by Fido. then we just rounded the mall, hoping to see ****** somewhere (no name-dropping please), but to no avail. oh well...
before we dined in our last stop, Raziel found us at the Fido booth and we chatted a bit. just a bit. :)
then we ended our malling by having dinner at Burger King. we always eat there but we never win in their drinking cup promo. sheesh... oh well..

to my buddies who always treat me everywhere, thanks. don't worry, malapit na ko sumweldo sa Mississauga News. LOL.

good night, blog.

Spot the difference.

My three latest PR Photos, taken last 18th of December, 2003 at Portrait Studio, Zellers.




To all brethren in Christ: HAPPY THANKSGIVING & AN ABUNDANT OFFERING!
Sa lahat po ng mga kapatid kay Cristo: MALIGAYANG PAGPAPASALAMAT PO AT MASAGANANG PAGHAHANDOG!

TIRED.

just got home from delivering papers with my brother. and upon arriving home, we ate dinner like there's no tomorrow. flurries were pouring while we were doing house to house paper delivery.

my sister cooked pasta with mushroom & broccoli in white sauce. yummy! now, she's telling me to cook my one and only favorite dish tomorrow. or maybe on Sunday. i'm really tired. but i have a lot of things in mind that i want to post in today's blog entry. most of them, my friends:

Annie Leah. The girl who called me her best friend. i wasn't up to calling her my best friend coz i already have one. but then she made me realize i can have two best friends, a male and a female. its just kind of conflicting to the idea and essence in itself, best, being a superlative degree must have no other thing in its level. oh well, Annie Leah is my girl bestfriend. I have met her thru Equitable PCI Bank, where both of us got employed at the same hiring date, attended the same training schedules, hold the same position as Customer Service Assistant-New Accounts Clerk. Since then, we always call each other for help and assistance on banking matters, trainings, and we developed a good rapport. On Saturdays, we would end up shopping at Greenhills shopping center, and sometimes just meeting for a cup of hot drinks at Starbucks Coffee (although i prefer Seattle's Best Coffee better than the former mentioned) and chat about each other's life. Annie's gonna celebrate her birthday on the 1st of January. I've got to call her then.

Cyndriel. Si CY. ang aking personal adviser. i have known this lady from our Sunday School. We're batchmates in our Sunday School Teacher class, and when we performed our duty in one Center, there. magic. she's too intellectual for me, but i'm too responsible for her that's why we (platonically) love each other.

Ekhim. My high school classmate and good friend, one of my HS buddies. we last saw each other in our HS reunion last year, Dec 07, 2002, in San Fernando, Pampanga. He's currently assgned in Cebu City, and the last time we talked over the phone was his birthday this 11th of the month. He said he was planning to go to NYC and hoping we could do the trip together, as i need to enter and exit the US by January. But then, his plans are delayed.

baby_sis. the one and only baby_sis of my life. i always think of her especially during important events in church comes. the girl is always busy with her work, outdoors, and other duties but whenever i'm in the choir loft performing, a portion of my prayer goes for her... mishu.

eng'r. gary philip. the guy i entrusted my CWS choir and the assistant leader of the locale choir in Village East. i hope he pursues his plans for future. just wishing him good luck. hey, if you happen to read this, yung tinatanong mong birthday sa akin thru YM, January 06 po ang sagot. sorry na lang pag dumating yun nang di mo pa ito nababasa. :p

Mrs. Glenda Glindro Castro. a choir buddy whom i never realized getting married ahead of us--- Nick, she & i. oh well, i know she's happy and fulfilled now. i just wish we could reunite once again some time.

Nick. "sinong bespren mo da-on?!" I recall him telling me that in a voice recording meant for my 19th birthday. he's my best bud in the juniors choir way back our brookside locale years... also my UST schoolmate, he's now in the US Navy.

irene. the present choir leader in Village East. can't help but think of the choir i left EVERYTIME i perform my duty, and especially during these special worships...

joy. the organist from brookside locale whom we assigned to perform regularly in our locale every Wednesday night. through thick and thin she's with us... may God bless her more in the performance of her duty as an organist.

jejie. last time i heard, he was sick. i've tried to text and call him before my SIM got barred but he didn't send any replies. i wonder if he's all right now. :(

Paul JENSIE_G. the ever-thoughtful PEx pal of ourse. he's busy with his first job, enjoying every bit of it. that's good. i can see a fulfillment in him. happy holidays, Paul! :)

jovee lark. makulit, makulit, makulit. he's been emoting in his geocities account lately. wait... as of this writing, it's already his birthday today (Manila time)!. count the candles, 'tol. times three yan! *teehee*

abigail faith advincula. a good friend from San Diego, CA, she's been sick these past few days. get well soon, buddy! wag mo na kong inggitin sa Return of the King... mapapanood ko rin yan next week!

my island cove pals. i just reviewed the video tape the other day.. miss you all!

i still have a lot in my mind but i'm already really tired. i need to get some rest.

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THANKSGIVING DAY TOMORROW!

" I will tell of thy name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee: You who fear the LORD, praise him! all you sons of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you sons of Israel! For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; and he has not hid his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. From thee comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live for ever! All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations." Psalm 22:22-28

> did my laundry
> had my photo taken, 6 copies 45mm x 35mm
> i feel sick
> i missed ka leda, nakausap namin sya kanina bago umuwi
> donabelle's dad passed away. my condolences. she'll be going home to Manila on Sunday.
> tough day tomorrow.

good night, blog.

Today is the opening of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King in movie theaters. It will be the last of the trilogy and many LOTR fans are excited about it. Too bad, i can't watch it today. We have delivered our Wednesday Edition of the Mississauga News and tonight, my niece, Ria has a concert performance in school, together with the whole Kindergarten Class. I'm gonna take a video of her, as requested by her grandpa. oh well... at least we're done with the paper deliveries. not too many flyers for today. I have taken some video shots of myself inserting flyers to the newspaper. i still want a photo of myself while delivering papers. hopefully, i can have one before we have our last delivery assignment over the weekend.

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winter's a bit OK this year compared to last year. my brother tells me that last year, heavy snow had been pouring since November. i'm glad its halfway through December and we aren't getting too many snow falls yet. i hope this remains until spring arrives. *crosses fingers*

just finished sorting out the flyers for tomorrow's paper deliveries. our Uncle Franco also just left from fixing the leak in our bath tub faucet. it's his house, anyway. we don't wanna do anything beyond his knowledge so its better to let him do whatever pleases him, as long as we report to him the problems we've been encountering here in their basement. oh well...

had a nice chat with karen this afternoon. both of us were bored so i guess, it was a perfect timing for both of us to log-in to YM and look for someone to talk to. i don't usually last an hour in YM but i think we chatted more than 2 hours this afternoon. record, eh? hei, gurL! if you ever read this, i wish you get well soon! you don't wanna feel sick come our thanksgiving day, eh?

my brother treated us in China Buffet tonight. my sister doesn't feel good either, so we have to go home right after our said dinner. and before that, we picked up the flyers from Ka Eric's house. Ka Ellen had a lot of customers for the night (hey, i'm talking about haircut here!). and unfortunately, i wasn't able to say "hi" to some of her customers whom i know since i was rushing to load the flyers into the van. and it was cold outside. *sigh*

need to wake up early tomorrow. good night, blog.

Greetings, confusoid. You scored a...
65%


Is it a bird? A plane? Is it a boy? A girl? Is it love, or is it lust? Ah, you. You are that rare mix of sensitive and sensual, romantic and randy, pride and prejudice, etc. When you see your crush, you waffle like a Belgian, unsure of whether you'd rather paint their toes or suck on their toes. Poets have long been puzzled by your kind. You'll never fall for robots or nymphos, but you will suffer longs bouts of marriage.

FUN FACT...

people more loveable than you (37%)
people just as loveable as you (3%)
people less loveable than you (59%)

Based on the 2,521,633 submissions before you.

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obviously, i'm passing time so i took the Love Test from TheSpark.com I just wonder if my crush belongs to the 37% of my statistics.

just got home from Ka Ellen's place. i went with buddies Noriel & Charlie to have their haircut and afterwards, they served us pork sinigang! how can i say "no" to that? haha... while eating we were watching the raptors game against the mavericks and we left before the start of the 4th quarter coz its gettin' late. before finally heading home, we dropped by at Krispy Kreme and bought 3 dozens of doughnuts. we had a lot of their promo coupons since the cashier was a Filipina. their January 2004 deal is great! buy a dozen doughnuts, get a dozen of their original glazed for free! now i think we're going to hold a Krispy Kreme donut party by next month... hahaha!

time to doze off. still have to wake up early tomorrow. good night, blog.

kauuwi ko lang galing sa pag-iikot-ikot saSquare One. Ilang bagay na nagkakainteres akong tignan kapag nasa mall na yun ay ang mga sumusunod: long sleeves at necktie sa International, coats, snow boots and shoes, at sunglasses. Naghanap rin ako sa Hallmark at sa Carlton ng 2004 planner, pero ang mamahal kaya tumingin na lang ako sa hanay ng kanilang mga greeting cards, sa Love & Humurous Section. Antagal ko na palang hindi nakakapagbigay ng greeting card sa isang espesyal na tao sa buhay ko. Magaganda yung mga cards na nakita ko sa Carlton, ang sarap magbigay pero ang tanong, kanino ko ibibigay?

Nag-ikot ako sa Food Court para maghanap ng masarap na makakainan. Gusto ko kase ng kanin eh sa mga fastfoods dito, halimbawa ang McDonalds, eh wala namang rice. Kaya lang, andaming tao sa food court. Kaya wala akong choice, kumain na lang ako ng Chicken Sandwich Combo sa Burger King. As usual, pumwesto ako sa isang lamesa na nakatalikod sa karamihan, kaya dun ako umupo sa pinakamalapit sa pila ng counter. At least, hindi ako titignan ng mga tao run. Dun sa outlet na yung ng BK, yun din ang tambayan ng mga Pilipinong Senior Citizens. Meron din ngang isang matandang lalaki dun na nagtatrabaho sa BK, mukhang PIlipino. Kanina ko lang napatunayan na Pilipino siya, kase kinausap nung ibang matatanda habang nasa Condiments Section kami at kumukuha ako ng ketchup.

Bago ako matapos, nagkita kami ni Jordan nang pumila sya para umorder ng lunch nya dun. Dun pala sya nagtatrabaho sa Square One. Sinabi nya yung shop na pinagtatrabahuhan niya, pero di ko naalala. Si Jordan ay mang-aawit sa Group A, at kuya siya nina Liarcie (check spell) at Karen.

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Nandito na si Ka Ellen. Magpapagupit muna ako.

My condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople. He's one of the Philippine public officials whom i admire and he served the country for a good number of years in different offices, since Marcos era. too bad, he's been a chain smoker and i think this contributed to his sickness.
anyway, may the respectable secretary rest in peace.

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so, Saddam Hussein has been captured. and Mr. George W. Bush thinks he is the greatest in the world, with the capture of the former Iraq dictator. bah! too proud sheet!

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I hope FPJ decides to submit to Senator Panfilo Lacson as the latter's vice presidentiable in the upcoming 2004 Elections. After meeting with Poe, Lacson vows to stay with the opposition party. Personally, i want Ping among the four candidates who have declared their presidential bids in the 2004 elections. GMA seems like a very traditional politician, and she didn't make good in keeping her promises for the years she was granted to lead the country upon Erap's ouster, in spite of her bragging that she is an economist. Roco on the other hand, i just can't sense something good in him. He always saves his ass in the events of "political happenings". I think its a cowardly act to be like that--- save-your-own-ass-attitude. I even learned that the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. groomed Mr. Raul Roco for being a good public official, but when the former was captured by the men of Marcos, Roco was nowhere to be found. FPJ, definitely, he needs experience beyond his good intention and clean reputation. He just can't be there being a puppet of Angara, Sotto, Enrile, Maceda or Cojuangco. Lacson, the man has had many negative feedbacks from his detractors but i have seen him work as the PNP Chief and i can say that in that short time span, the Filipino people gained back their trust to the Philippine National Police. Of course I could be wrong, but he really meant 'business'. He's an action man with an iron hand. It's what the country needs in this chaotic time.

Feel free to Shout Out on this.

Yesterday was a sunny day, and today is the opposite. approximately 10cm of snow poured from late last night and is continously pouring as of this time. this is the 3rd time i have experienced snow outpour but this is the first time i have experienced braving through it. Oh yes. my brother and i delivered newspapers late this morning while the snow is piling up. I have stucked out my tongue while walking and get to know what it tastes like. matabang. or maybe my taste buds aren't functioning because of the cold weather while i was out. i was thinking of Iceberg's (a philippine ice cream & sundae parlor), while looking at the white and piled up snow. its so cute stepping on the soft ice and look back on the trail i have been making while crossing the lawns (hehe) of the neighborhood.

i also wish i could have my photo taken while delivering the papers on a snowy day like this, but no one's to take a photo of me. and one thing, we don't have a camera. haha!

before taking my lunch, i tried to shovel our driveway. i don't know where to throw the snow because our neighbor was also shoveling their driveway. anyway, when he was gone, i threw some snow in the lawn of his jurisdiction. me bad.

oh well, good thing i can rest now before the set time of our committee-prayer here at home. my sis & brother is currently in the church practising hymns for the tagalog thanksgiving. i'm left with the babysitting job again but honestly, i don't mind. at least i could sit down and relax. aarrghh. my back aches. i need someone to massage me gently and with so much passion. hahaha!

Today (Friday), halos ginugol ko ang buong araw para sa Mississauga News. Habang nalalapit ang pasko (ng sanlibutan), mas dumarami ang flyers na dapat i-insert sa mga dyaryo. kaya mas matagal ang sorting, mas mabigat ang deliveries, mas mabagal, mas masakit sa katawan, at mas nalalapit ang paa ko sa hukay! Wala pa naman akong OHIP dito. (Paki-iksplika nga po kung ano yung buong ibig sabihin ng OHIP). Basta ang alam ko, medical benefit ito sa mga immigrants dito. kaya bilang tourist, sori na lang ako kapag nagkasakit. Gagamutin naman nila ako kaya lang, mamamatay rin ako kaagad kapag nakita ko ang bill ko sa ospital.

ngayon lang ako ganap na makakaharap sa computer at minarapat kong magkwento muna ng mga bagay-bagay dito sa blog ko, bago muling umali-aligid sa PEx, at sa blog ng may blog.

hindi pala ako nakadalaw dito kahapon. dangan kase, pagkauwi galing sa kapilya ay sabay kaming dumating ng bayaw ko, galing sya sa pagkuha ng mga flyers na isisingit sa dyaryo para sa araw na ito. kaya, ang siste, nagsimula na kami ni ate na magsort ng mga ito hanggang alas dose lang ng gabi dahil pareho na kaming ngarag.

kahapon (Huwebes), napag-alaman ko sa pamamagitan ng Frontpage (December 10 headline, Part 1), na inanunsyo ng "United Opposition" na si FPJ ang opisyal na kandidato ng partido sa pagka-pangulo. Natawa naman ako sapagkat wala si FPJ sa okasyong iyon. hay naku... ewan ko ba sa pulitika sa atin..

Pero ngayon, isang balita ang bumulaga sa akin na kung saan hindi ko malaman kung anong reaksyon ang dapat kong madama.
Si FPJ ay parang isang tutang mahiyain na pinipilit nang kumahol. Si Senador Tito Sotto ang trainor. Hindi ko pa naipapahayag dito sa blog ko ang komento ko ukol sa kandidatura ni FPJ bagaman, marami na akong naihinga sa PEx, ukol sa bagay na ito. magmamasid muna siguro ako nang ilan pang mga araw...

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kahapon pa rin, dumalo ng pagdinig sa korte si bayaw, ukol sa pagkahuli nito noon pang nakalipas na buwan sa kasong overspeeding. bilib din naman ako sa pamahalaan ng Canada. Sobrang higpit kuno pasimple rin naman ang korupsyon dito. Naalala ko tuloy nung araw na maglipat ng bahay ang pinsan ko at nang sumama ako sa pagbuhat ng mga gamit. papunta sa bagong bahay, dalawang Pilipinong dito na lumaki, ingglisan ng ingglisan ang nagkukwentuhan tungkol sa trabaho nila, pangungurakot ng kumpanya at gobyerno dito, at yung mga karanasan nila sa mga bagay na ito. habang papunta kami sa bagong bahay, busog ang tenga ko habang pinapanisan naman ako ng laway. nakikinig lang ako sa kwentuhan nila habang pinag-uusapan nila kung paano sumimple ng panraraket ang mga tao dito. sa isip ko, "akala ko sa Pinas lang may kurakot, dito rin pala." ang kaibahan nga lang, masyadong garapal ang pangungurakot sa Pinas, samantalang dito, takot silang mahayag o ipakita ng tahasan sa mga mamamayan. howell... korupsyon pa rin yun.

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kahapon pa rin, habang naghihintay kami sa labas ng kapilya, nakakwentuhan namin ng ate ko si Roma tungkol sa Mississauga News delivery, kung meron bang mga maybahay na nagsusumbong sa nasabing tanggapan. Matagal na kase silang nagdedeliver nito, bago pa man kami nagsimula ng mga kaibigan ko isang buwan na ang nakakalipas. OO daw, meron, sabi ni Roma. Nagulat kami ng ate ko at nabanggit ko pa nga, "Ang kapal naman ng mukha nilang magreklamo eh libre na nga yung dyaryo!" Nagkatawanan lang kami at inulit pa niya, meron daw talagang mga nagrereklamo.
Eto ngayon, pag-uwi namin galing sa pagtupad, may dalang note si bayaw galing sa Mississauga News:

"Important Delivery Message: CARRIER LEAVES THE PAPER BETWEEN STORM DOOR AND LEAVES IT OPEN. PLEASE CLOSE STORM DOOR AFTER PUTTING PAPER THERE OR SECURE PAPER ON PORCH."
Kasama sa notang ito yung address ng bahay ng nagreklamo at yung pangalan ni bayaw (kase siya yung nasa kontrata) at yung petsa ng reklamo.

Pagkabasa nito, inis na inis si bayaw samantalang kami naman ni ate, nagkatawanan na lang.

> minadaling-araw ako kanina kakasort ng flyers
> nag check ako ng email
> tinawagan ko si mamsi at nangumusta at sinabing natanggap ko yuing email nya
> tinawagan ko si friend para makiramay.
> tinawagan ko si abby at nag-iwan ng voice mail sa cell phone nya
> after three minutes, tumawag si abby at nagkwentuhan kami. masaya sya kase wala syang pasok.
> natulog ako.
> tinanghali ako ng gising at hindi inabutan yung bus ng pamangkin ko, resulta: ibinalik sya sa paaralan at doon namin sinundo ni bayaw.
> pumick-up kami ng dyaryo
> nag insert ako ng flyers sa dyaryo
> kumain ako ng tanghalian
> nag insert ulit ng flyers sa dyaryo
> nagdeliver ng dyaryo sa neighborhood
> nag check ulit ako ng email, nagPEx, nang-i-istok sa mga blogs at nag-update ng profile sa friendster
> kumain ako ng hapunan
> tinawagan ko ang kaklase kong si Ekhim upang batiin siya ng "Maligayang Kaarawan" ngayong araw na ito (December 11 sa Pilipinas. actually, nasa Cebu siya ngayon. Pampanga Day din ngayon sa Pampanga)
> nagpapababa ng kinain at naga-update ng blog
> matutulog na ako
> good night

marami akong pera ngayon... naibigay na ni bayaw yung parte ko sa isang linggong pagdedeliver namin ng dyaryo. tapos, nakuha na ni noriel yung tseke nya sa parehong dyaryo, may parte rin ako kase tatlo kaming gumawa para dun sa unang dalawang linggo. pero hindi ko gagastusin ang pera, kase hindi ko pa man nakukuha yun, nakalaan na yun para ihandog ko sa darating na pasalamat. maliit na halaga, pero pinagsikapan kong ihanda. PURIHIN ANG DIYOS!

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sa pag-iikot namin nina Charlie at Noriel sa Square One, nakakita kami ng glass chess board na napakaganda sanang makuha bilang koleksyon o display sa bahay at ito'y nagkakahalaga lamang ng 15CAD. karaniwang presyo ng ganung klase ng chess board ay nasa isandaan mahigit pero nakasama ito sa isang moving out sale. gusto ko talaga sanang bilhin yun kaya lang, mas naunahan ako ng pagiging praktikal. sa sitwasyon ko ngayon, hindi pa praktikal magbibili ng mga ganung bagay. saka na marahil.

reviewing my blog, i've heard three deaths for the past two months and the fourth one i just heard today is the death of my friend Mariel's brother. have no details about it yet. i was informed by LA thru email and i was talking about this with jovee thru PEx. Jovee informed me that friend mariel was trying to contact me but i am not using my cell phone.

Condolence, friend. I'll call you as soon as i get myself a phone card.

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For everyone who's been trying to text or call me, i'm currently not using my SIM Card. I let my sister use my Nokia unit after i tried to open its line for other SIM Card use. Its perfectly working with her Fido SIM card. I'll be informing you when my SUN SIM is available again for incoming texts and calls.

A PATHETIC ENTRY

(the following entry is taglish)

i am forgetting how to work in an office already. i've been unemployed for almost six months now. i've been a legal visitor/domestic helper/newspaper boy for quite a time now and i'm already looking forward to January 2004. It will be the start of the Canadian government's program for "outsiders". I have gathered a number of reference letters from peers and colleagues back home, and i got myself some papers that i'll be needing for this program.

whenever i read tin's blog, i always think when i will arrive at her status as an immigrant and a citizen as well of this freakin' cold country! She just arrived and now she's legally working! Actually, Canadian citizenship is not my (topmost) priority. I only want to have a legal working status here so i could save some money and then proceed to a more matured stage of life.

matagal ko nang gustong magkaroon ng sariling pamilya. oo, maaari akong mag-asawa kung kailan ko gugustuhin, pero para sa akin, hindi basta-basta ang paghahandang dapat kong gawin sa paglusong sa buhay-may asawa. unang-unang dapat kong ihanda ay ang sariling "pondo", upang may maipantustos sa magiging pamilya ko. hindi naman siguro maganda na iasa ko pa sa mga magulang ko yung mga bagay na ikabubuhay ng sarili kong pamilya, diba? isa pa, halos lahat yata ng kamag-anak ko (mother & father side) inaabangan ang kasal ko. kaya hindi pwedeng ganun-ganun na lang ang kasal ko.

tungkol naman sa pagpili ng makakasama ko habambuhay, medyo kumplikado talaga ito. unang-una, mapili talaga ako. pihikan sa lokal na termino, 'ika nga. sa tanang buhay ko, apat na babae lang ang naging katipan ko, at ang pinakamahabang relasyon (sa apat) ay tumagal lamang ng isang taon at apat na buwan. siya na sana ang pakakasalan ko, kung hindi lamang nagkaproblema noong nakaraang taon na unang pumunta ako dito sa Canada. halos, ibinaba ko ang pamantayan ko sa pagkakaroon ng katipan nang makasama ko siya. hindi siya ang ideal girl ko pero minahal ko siya. lahat ng hindi ko gusto sa isang babae bilang katipan, nasumpungan ko sa kaniya--- naninigarilyo, umiinom ng alak, mahilig sa gimik hanggang hatinggabi, tumatakas sa dorm, nagka-cutting classes--- pero tinanggap ko lahat iyon kase mahal ko siya. isang bagay lang ang naging pagkakamali niya na hinding-hindi ko matatanggap at iyon ay nang masira ang tiwala ko sa kaniya, pagkaalis ko ng Manila papunta rito sa Canada. isang beses lang na masira ang tiwala ko sa isang tao, habambuhay nang nakaukit ang lamat niyaon. kaya nawala ang pag-ibig ko sa kaniya.

now, i found someone. but the idea is absurd. i can't see any light why i should continue this feeling for her. she's committed with someone and i don't want to injure their relationship. i should know where to put myself but i hope nobody ever blame me for this. because its a feeling, and as far as i know, a feeling can't be dictated. i'm trying my best to stay away from this...

maybe they're right. "don't look for your better half. she'll just come in one perfect time." thing is, i've been waiting for a long time now. but if that time comes, i wouldn't know how i could be so grateful to her...

huwaaat?! Keira Knightley whom i admired in the movie Love Actually is the same girl who starred in Bend It Like Beckham? gasp!